Rishabh Pant isn’t averaging over 40 just due to madness: Sanjay Manjrekar-OxBig News Network

Former India cricketer turned commentator Sanjay Manjrekar feels India wicketkeeper batter Rishabh Pant wouldn’t be averaging over 40 in Test cricket just through mad batting. Notably, Pant played a blistering knock of 61 (33) on Day 2 of the fifth Test against Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney.

The southpaw registered the second-fastest half-century by an Indian batter in Tests off 29 balls and helped India build on their second innings lead. Pant’s knock came on the back of severe criticism from the legendary India batter Sunil Gavaskar who lashed out at him for his shot selection in the previous Test in Melbourne.

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Recently, Manjrekar hailed Pant for his innings, saying that his knock could prove to be the difference between the two teams in the ongoing Test. He also mentioned how he would not be averaging over 40 through mad batting.

“If India go on to win the game and Australia don’t quite get there, it’s Rishabh Pant’s innings that’s going to be the difference. He took the pitch out of the equation, on that same pitch where top class batters are struggling. He’s forced the Australian captain to have fielders in the deep. And if it was just him, taking a chance, if it was madness, he would not be averaging over 40 in test cricket. He would not have what seven 90s and six 100s. I keep forgetting that number. I mean he wouldn’t have had that kind of a record, so you’ve got to respect what he has,” Manjrekar said on ESPNCricinfo.

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Pant has to play the way he thinks is best: Manjrekar

Further speaking ahead, Manjrekar said that there’s no need for the management to get into Pant’s head and the youngster should be allowed to bat the way he thinks is the best.

“And when he got out, if you saw his reaction, he aims for the sky. He would have got a big one, he would have got 120, 130 in quick time, and then the match is sealed for Australia. They have no chance, and that is what you get with Pant. And you don’t want to get into his software in any way. He has to play the way he thinks best,” he added.

Meanwhile, courtesy of Pant’s quick-fire innings, India finished Day 2 on 142/6 leading by 146 runs. However, they couldn’t add much to their overnight score and got dismissed for 157 all out, setting Australia a target of 162 in the fourth innings.